The University of Lethbridge welcomed approximately 8,300 students to our campuses in Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton this fall, including approximately 2,300 new students. And, as another academic year gets underway, there has been much excitement around campus.
The semester kicked off with a flurry of activity on campus as incoming students attended New Student Orientation (NSO). This year, NSO included Commencement, an official welcome to help new students mark the start of their post-secondary education at the U of L. Each student attending received a commemorative coin that represents his or her membership in the U of L student community.
Challenge coins are used around the world to symbolize belonging. Unique to our university, the front of our coin features the U of L’s coat of arms, representing signature elements of the University; the back includes the University’s shield along with the word 'Commencement' and the year.
U of L President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon was proud to welcome new students at Commencement, and enjoyed the opportunity to share some background on the history and symbols associated with the U of L.
“As our students begin their academic journey, we hope that Commencement introduced them to the U of L community and marked the start of their experience here,” says Mahon.
In addition to new students, the U of L also welcomed more than 6,000 returning students.
Enrolment in the nursing and education programs continue to be strong and both programs are at capacity. Next fall, the Faculty of Health Sciences will admit students to its new aboriginal health major. The Faculty of Education has admitted 36 more students into its two-year program, making for more than 250 students overall. Over the next two years, the Faculty has agreed to admit 36 more students every other year.
The Faculty of Arts and Science has worked hard over the past year to create relationships with colleges in Alberta and British Columbia to facilitate the transfer of science students. That work will continue this year and in 2015, the Faculty plans to restart its first year Pre-Engineering program. Also in 2015, the Faculty plans to pilot a special liberal education program focused on water, sustainability and equality for a select cohort of students.
In addition, the U of L saw record numbers of applications to Graduate Studies after it implemented an online application and review system last year. Current data shows that offers and accepted offers are up this year and this is a positive sign for the U of L’s position as a comprehensive university.
As the U of L student population grows, so does the campus. Extensive planning has already been done on the Destination Project, which includes the construction of a new science and academic building, the revitalization of University Hall and the construction of a new energy/utility centre for the University. The design phase will continue this year and the community is invited to learn more about the project at some upcoming information sessions:
Wednesday, September 24 | 1 to 3 p.m. | University Hall Atrium
Tuesday, September 30 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Lobby | 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness
Thursday, October 2 | 7 p.m. | Dr. Foster James Penny Building
After the session on September 24, information will also be available at www.uleth.ca/featured-project/destination and community members are encouraged to provide feedback through the site.
“We are always trying to serve our students better and the Destination Project is one more way we can accomplish this goal,” says Mahon. “As the fall semester starts, we look forward to a positive and productive year.”